Abstract
We present image processing algorithms for a new technique of ceramic proppant crush resistance characterization. To obtain the images of the proppant material before and after the test we used X-ray microtomography. We propose a watershed-based unsupervised algorithm for segmentation of proppant particles, as well as a set of parameters for the characterization of 3D particle size, shape, and porosity. An effective approach based on central geometric moments is described. The approach is used for calculation of particles’ form factor, compactness, equivalent ellipsoid axes lengths, and lengths of projections to these axes. Obtained grain size distribution and crush resistance fit the results of conventional test measured by sieves. However, our technique has a remarkable advantage over traditional laboratory method since it allows to trace the destruction at the level of individual particles and their fragments; it grants to analyze morphological features of fines. We also provide an example describing how the approach can be used for verification of statistical hypotheses about the correlation between particles’ parameters and their crushing under load.
Highlights
Proppant or propping agent is a solid granular material applied during hydraulic fracturing of a source rock [1]
We have presented algorithms for digital crush test using X-ray microtomography
Our workflow was intended for characterization of ceramic proppant, but it can be adjusted for dealing with other types of proppant, for example, natural sand
Summary
Proppant or propping agent is a solid granular material applied during hydraulic fracturing of a source rock [1]. The procedure is widely used in the oil industry. The aim of the proppant is to prevent fracture closure under the natural stress in a rock after decreasing the fracturing fluid pressure, thereby enabling hydrocarbons to reach the production well. Sand is the cheapest and, the most popular type of proppant. In some cases, it can be beneficial to use a proppant with a reduced density but with and increased grains strength relatively to natural sand. Hundreds of thousands of tons of ceramic proppant are produced globally. The particles of ceramic proppant are granules of spherical shape with a size of about 1 mm
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